On April 1, 2018, the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office responded to a “person down” call at 3180 Ball Ground Road near Ball Ground. At that location, they found 76-year-old David Parton deceased inside his home. Parton’s wife, Betty Sue Parton, 74, of Ball Ground, reported her husband had fallen and hit his head. Parton had injuries consistent with a fall. Initially the cause of death was unknown. Parton’s body was sent to the crime lab for an autopsy.

In July, the Medical Examiner at the Crime Lab contacted detectives with the sheriff's office about the death being suspicious. On the autopsy report, the Medical Examiner listed the manner of death as “homicide” and the cause of death as “blunt force trauma.” In September, detectives executed a search at the Parton home. On Tuesday, Oct. 9, detectives secured arrest warrants for Betty Sue Parton. She was arrested at her home and charged with Felony Murder, Elder Abuse, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Aggravated Battery. She remains in custody at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center without bond.